Both Eriksson Ek and Jared Spurgeon were already ruled out for the Winter Classic and head coach Dean Evason announced Thursday that both are expected to miss multiple weeks. With Eriksson Ek out, Frederick Gaudreau will move up in between Marcus Foligno and Kevin Fiala.
Both Spurgeon and Joel Eriksson Ek were already ruled out for the Winter Classic and head coach Dean Evason announced Thursday that both are expected to miss multiple weeks. With Jonas Brodin also on the COVID-19 protocol list, Calen Addison could get a look in the Winter Classic.
Eriksson Ek suffered an upper-body injury when he was sent hard into the boards by Stars defenseman Jani Hakanpaa last Monday night. It's unclear how long he'll be sidelined but he will not be available for the Winter Classic vs. the Blues.
Spurgeon has been dealing with a nagging lower-body injury since last month. He missed eight games, returned to the lineup and reaggravated the injury on the last homestand. It's unclear how long he'll be out but he will not play in the Winter Classic vs. St. Louis.
Spurgeon will be out until after the Christmas break and could be out long-term. Head coach Dean Evason said that "it's not short-term" so expect a more detailed timetable after the teams return from the Holiday break.
The Kings have a back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday, so there's a chance that Jonathan Quick will need to start both games.
The COVID-19 outbreak in Calgary continues as seven more players were added to the protocol list, including Pitlick. That brings the total to 16 players.
Brodin missed the last two games with an upper-body injury but will play vs. the Hurricanes. With Brodin back, Jordie Benn will be a healthy scratch. Brodin, who has one goal and six assists (seven points) in his last eight games, will skate with Mathew Dumba.
